The Mets' R.A. Dickey won 20 games and led the National League with 230 strikeouts in 2012. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Boeck, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Boeck, USA TODAY Sports

He suggested Monday that he'd likely leave after the 2013 season as a free agent if the Mets don't give him a contract extension.

"It's hard," Dickey said. "When people say it's business, it's not personal, well, that just means it's not personal for them. I'm hoping it ends up in a good place, but also in the back of your mind you think it may not. That's sad."

The gap between Dickey and the Mets is significant, but perhaps not insurmountable.

The Mets are prepared to offer the knuckleballer a two-year, $20 million extension, on top of the $5 million he is owed this season, according to ESPN.com.

Dickey, who went 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA last season, said his asking price is far below market value and that he is seeking a two-year extension between $26 million and $28 million.

"In the context of the market, you want what you think is fair," Dickey said. "I feel like we're asking for less than what's fair because that's how it's been for me. There is a surprise sometimes when things don't get done quickly and you already think you're extending the olive branch. At the same time, they have a budget they have to adhere to. I don't know those numbers. And I try not to take it personally."

While the two sides have inched forward to a deal, trading Dickey remains a possibility. The Texas Rangers showed interest in Dickey, who once played for them, during the winter meetings. And now that Zack Greinke and James Shields are off the market, things could heat up again.